The Indomitable Master of Elixirs

Song Yuan slowly limped out on his crutch under the bloodthirsty gaze of the crowd. He still wore the clothes signifying his status as the city lord. With a slightly raised chin, he looked coldly at the gathering of citizens. There was no longer any hint of friendliness or kindness on his face. That imperious attitude was like a completely different person from the “City Lord Song” whom they knew.

“Song Yuan! You despicable bastard! You actually conspired with the demons to bring harm upon all of us! You are not fit to be a human!” The sight of Song Yuan roused the citizens. They were all ready to dash up and tear him apart.

Song Yuan’s face remained expressionless as he cast a sweeping glance across the enraged congregation. He looked towards Ji Fengyan standing at the back. He smirked before looking away.

“Everyone, there is no need to be so angry. You all know what I have done for Ping City for the past 20 years. But your trust in me has been shattered by just a couple of tricks by Ji Fengyan—this makes me feel bitterly disappointed.” Song Yuan sighed despondently.

But from this moment on, regardless of how well Song Yuan spun his lies, the citizens would no longer be moved.

They may have been stupid, but they were no fools. The ghosts of their loved ones were so familiar, able to recount all the details of their former lives. No one would believe that anyone in this world could have set up such an elaborate ruse.

And it wasn’t just a few souls who had appeared in Ping City—their numbers ran up to tens of thousands!

As smart as Ji Fengyan was, there was no way she could have manifested these tens of thousands of ghosts.

“Song Yuan, you truly disgust us. We had treated you with so much respect and trusted in you for so many years! This is how you repay us! We will never believe in whatever you say from now on!”

Song Yuan’s eyes turned a shade colder as he gazed at the angry faces of the crowd. His lips curled up in a careless smirk. These people would no longer accept his words again.

“Never mind, don’t believe me if you don’t want to. But… even if all that you say is real, what can you do about it?”

Song Yuan surveyed every one of the citizens standing before him. “I am despicable? Haha… have you all forgotten who saved you from the pits of danger? Who provided you all a peaceful livelihood? If not for me, this Ping City would have already been desecrated by demons. And… those refugees from the various villages—who took you in? Who gave you food, clothes and shelter, and offered you a life where you no longer need to cower in fear?”

“You have all enjoyed the peace and security that I have provided. Now, you have the cheek to berate me? Haha… let me tell you in all honesty—if I am guilty, then all of you are. Don’t forget that your presently wonderful lives were built upon the condition of your loved one’s being devoured by the demons.”

Song Yuan narrowed his eyes, a cruel glint flashed across his pupils.

“You are stepping right on the blood of your loved ones. Living in tranquility for over 20 years, what right do you have to seek justice from me? You were all so grateful to me at the start. Didn’t you say that you will do anything to live peaceful lives? What’s the matter? Don’t you remember it now?”